Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Introduction
Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines tender pears with warm spices in a beautifully caramelized bottom layer. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for showcasing seasonal fruit and impressing guests with its elegant presentation.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons mixed warm spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
- Additional ingredients for the cake batter (butter, eggs, baking powder, milk; quantities as needed)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking pan, sprinkle the sugar evenly, then arrange the pear slices in a single layer over the sugar.
- Step 2: Prepare the cake batter by combining flour, spices, and other batter ingredients according to your preferred recipe. Pour the batter carefully over the arranged pears in the pan.
- Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown on top.
- Step 4: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the pear side is on top.
Tips & Variations
- Use ripe but firm pears to maintain shape during baking.
- Try different spice blends like pumpkin pie spice or add a splash of vanilla to the batter for extra depth.
- Add chopped nuts on top of the pears before pouring the batter for a crunchy texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm the whole cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Yes, apples, peaches, or plums work well as alternatives. Adjust baking time accordingly based on the fruit’s softness.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking when flipping it?
Make sure to evenly coat the pan with butter before sprinkling sugar and arranging pears. Let the cake cool slightly before inverting to help it release cleanly.
PrintSpiced Pear Upside-Down Cake Recipe
This Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring tender pears caramelized with sugar and warm spices. The pears are beautifully arranged at the bottom of the pan, creating an impressive upside-down presentation once baked. Perfect for cozy autumn gatherings or anytime you desire a comforting, spiced cake with naturally sweet fruit.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pear Topping
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Cake Batter
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Prepare the Pear Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Arrange the peeled, cored, and sliced pears neatly on top of the sugar-spice mixture, overlapping slightly to cover the base completely.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Combine and Bake: Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged pears in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then place a serving plate upside down over the pan and carefully invert the cake onto the plate. Let it cool further before slicing and serving to allow the caramelized pear topping to set.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Bartlett for best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the pears are evenly sliced to create a uniform topping layer.
- Serving warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream is a delightful option.
- You can substitute the buttermilk with yogurt mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice if needed.
Keywords: spiced pear cake, upside-down cake, fall dessert, caramelized pear, cinnamon cake
